National People’s Party (NPP) national president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday campaigned for party candidate I. Abenjang at Longkhum village ahead of the April 9 by-election to the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency.

Sangma landed at Longkhum ground in Mokokchung district, where he was accorded with Ao traditional welcome. He interacted with village elders and the Village Council chairman before addressing a public rally at the community hall of Longkhum village.

Recalling the vision of his late father P. A. Sangma, he said the NPP was built on the collective strength of indigenous tribal communities of the Northeast to safeguard their identity, and that the same principle continues to guide the party.

In his address, Sangma described the candidature of I. Abenjang as something that appeared unlikely months ago, attributing it to “divine intervention.” He said that while individuals make plans, “it is the Almighty who has the final word,” adding that even his presence at the campaign was unplanned.

Reflecting on his own political journey, Sangma recounted how he became Chief Minister in 2018 despite initially planning to return to Delhi after government formation. He said leadership is often shaped by circumstances beyond human control and must be grounded in humility and service.

Stressing values in public life, he said politics should not be pursued for position or money. “Don’t ever think of entering politics if you are doing it for a position or for money. Enter politics only to serve the people,” he said, adding that if one keeps people’s interest first, “you don’t have to worry… people will come, they will help you, and the Almighty will bless you.” He said this principle continues to guide his politics.

Sangma said his commitment to serving people keeps him motivated despite the demands of public life. “Yes, I get tired, but when I see a person needing even a few seconds of my time, all my tiredness disappears,” he said.

Explaining the party’s broader objective, he said the NPP seeks to bring people of the Northeast together, noting that the region, despite its potential, lacks a common platform, collective voice and unity. He said bridging this gap is essential to unlock opportunities for the youth.

He noted that the Northeast is among the youngest regions in the country and described youth as both the greatest strength and the biggest challenge. He said it is the responsibility of political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society and religious leaders to create opportunities and platforms for young people, warning that failure to do so could lead to negative consequences for society.

“Our goal is to bring our people together. There will be differences, but there are many areas where we can work together to build a stronger voice and platform for our youth, farmers, women and society,” he said.

On the party’s ideology, Sangma reiterated that protecting indigenous identity remains central to the NPP. “Our identity is something that we must never let go,” he said, adding that the party was formed to protect the people of the Northeast. He cited the introduction of mandatory Scheduled Tribe (ST) certification for candidates contesting District Council elections in Meghalaya as an example of this commitment.

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Highlighting development prospects, he spoke about tourism and local initiatives, referring to Longkhum’s Cherry Blossom Festival, which he said attracts over 15,000 visitors annually. He assured that the NPP would work to develop the festival further and promote it at the national level to generate sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities.

Sangma also underlined the responsibility that comes with electoral success, telling the party candidate that public office demands accountability and sacrifice. “When the phone rings at 2 am, remember that you asked for it… you prayed for it,” he said, urging leaders to remain accessible and committed to service.

He expressed hope that the election would mark the beginning of a stronger and more united political journey for the NPP in the constituency and extended his best wishes to Abenjang and his supporters.

NPP candidate I. Abenjang, in his address, thanked Sangma for campaigning in the constituency and said the party stands for the people. He said he was contesting not merely for the election but to serve the people of Koridang and the Nagas with sincerity and truth.

Stating that politics carries both “blessings and burdens,” Abenjang called for a “political resurrection and revival” beginning from Koridang. He highlighted the party’s focus on youth empowerment, women, the underprivileged, and agriculture and allied sectors, and said corruption undermines governance and public trust.

He urged voters to exercise their mandate on April 9, stating that the outcome rests in their hands, and expressed hope that “truth will prevail.”

Speaking to media persons, Sangma addressed the absence of NPP legislators from Nagaland in the campaign, stating that “multiple reasons and concerns arising from coalition politics” were involved. He described such challenges as natural but maintained that the party would continue to assert its independent identity and contest elections on its core principles and a positive agenda.

“Even while in coalition, we will not go to the people on a negative agenda. We will go to tell them what the NPP stands for,” he said, adding that the party leadership was present to extend full support to the candidate.

On security issues, Sangma reiterated the party’s position that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) should be repealed, terming it a “draconian law.” He said that while maintaining national security and law and order is essential, there is a need for balanced legislation that safeguards both security requirements and the rights of citizens.

Responding to queries on the party’s commitments to the 28 Koridang constituency, Sangma said the National People’s Party (NPP) sees significant untapped potential in sectors such as tourism and agriculture in the area. He emphasised the need to harness and engage the talents of local youth by creating opportunities that add value to existing resources.

Citing examples from other parts of the Northeast, particularly Meghalaya, he said the party aims to introduce value addition and processing units to address challenges faced by farmers. Referring to produce from Longkhum, he noted that items such as tomatoes often fail to fetch desirable market prices, and said that establishing processing facilities could help improve returns for local growers.

He also highlighted the tourism potential of the region, pointing to the annual cherry blossom season that already attracts around 15,000 visitors. According to him, this number could be significantly increased with better planning and promotion, thereby generating employment opportunities and livelihoods for youth, women, and the wider community.

While acknowledging infrastructural challenges, Sangma said the party intends to take gradual but focused steps in these sectors to initiate development and ensure long-term benefits for the constituency.

Senior NPP leaders present at the programme included Vice President Vevoyi Wideo and General Secretary (Political) Mmhonlumo Kikon, along with other party functionaries.